Québec took part in the O-Hanami francophone organized by the Institut franco-japonais du Kansai on April 3 in Kyoto. This event provided Québec with an opportunity to express its solidarity with the Japanese people in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated the country in March.

More than ten francophone countries and organizations attended the event, which was entitled “La Francophonie pour le Japon” (The Francophonie for Japan). In conjunction with various scheduled cultural activities, a fundraiser was held in support of the victims. This was the second O-Hanami francophone event and it raised $5,700, which was given to the Japanese Red Cross.

During the Journée de la Francophonie, the Quebec Government Office in Tokyo manned a stand that promoted several Québec agri-food products in collaboration with the Kyoto-based Japanese importer Miel-Mie. Japanese francophones and francophiles were also able to learn more about Québec.

Hanami is the traditional custom of celebrating the blooming of Japanese cherry trees. It has been celebrated by the Japanese people for many centuries.